Immerse yourself in the essence of Chinese cooking with this savory Black Pepper Chicken, a dish that masterfully combines succulent chicken with a piquant sauce. This recipe is an invitation to a culinary journey, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to delight. Here’s how to whip up this enticing dish from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Its Marinade:
- 500 grams of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped into small chunks
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine or a substitute like dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons of cornstarch for a silky texture
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying
- 1 onion, cut into thin slices
- 1 bell pepper, color of your choice, sliced into thin strips
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, finely grated
- A handful of green onions, chopped, to garnish
For the Black Pepper Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, enhancing the dish’s color
- 2 teaspoons of sugar for a hint of sweetness
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper, adjusted according to taste
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water for the sauce base
Preparation Steps:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, blend together soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Add the chicken chunks to this marinade, ensuring they’re thoroughly coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Craft the Sauce:
- Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Stir in chicken broth to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Adjust the amount of black pepper based on your preference for spice.
- Searing the Chicken:
- Heat half the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over a medium-high flame. Cook the chicken in batches until it turns golden brown and is cooked throughout. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry:
- Using the same pan, add the rest of the oil. Toss in the onion and bell pepper slices, cooking until just tender. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking until aromatic.
- Bringing It All Together:
- Reintroduce the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared black pepper sauce over the chicken and vegetables, mixing well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully around the chicken and vegetables.
- Final Touches:
- Once the dish is ready, take it off the heat. Garnish with green onions before serving. This Black Pepper Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This Chinese-Inspired Savory Black Pepper Chicken brings a burst of flavors to your dinner table, combining the tenderness of chicken with the boldness of black pepper in a sauce that’s utterly compelling. It’s a perfect dish for those who love the depth and richness of Chinese cuisine, right in the comfort of home.